Officials Seize Cocaine Worth $8 Million At Elizabeth Seaport

ELIZABETH – Last week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents seized nearly 250 pounds of cocaine which was concealed within a shipping container at Elizabeth Seaport.

The cocaine was packed in kilogram-sized packages and contained within two suitcases and three duffle bags, authorities said. The container was targeted as part of an investigation into an international drug trafficking organization in Panama. This investigation has yielded numerous seizures since June 2008, according to authorities.

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“These seizures demonstrated the continued vigilance of our CBP officers and the importance of their role in protecting our ports and maintaining the integrity of cargo sent through the supply chain,” said Robert E. Perez, director of New York Field Operations.

“ICE is committed to stopping transnational drug traffickers in their tracks,” said Peter T. Edge, special agent in charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of Investigations in Newark. “Once again, this illustrates the teamwork between ICE and CBP and the dedication of our agents in the field to stop drug trafficking.”

The investigation is on going, officials said. The estimated street value of the cocaine seized in nearly $8 million.

Federal agents seized nearly 250 pounds of cocaine that had been concealed in a shipping container at Elizabeth Seaport. Photo courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection